Chelsea and police investigate claims of racial abuse aimed at Raheem Sterling

Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police are launching an investigation after a supporter allegedly shouted a racist abuse at Manchester City forward Raheem Sterling. Social media users posted a video of the incident - recorded during the first half of Chelsea’s 2-0 victory over the Citizens at Stamford Bridge – on which the 24-year-old international was shouted at as he collected the ball from behind the goal.

Investigations begin

A Chelsea spokesman said: "We're aware of reports and video footage. We will investigate the matter and take the strongest possible action where necessary." In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said it was aware of “a video circulating online in which it is claimed racial abuse was allegedly directed at a player”. The force added that it will “review the footage to determine whether any offences have been committed.” Should any offence have been made, a life ban could be handed to the supporter or supporters responsible for the abuse. The incident generated a widespread condemnation online, with former Arsenal and England striker Ian Wright tweeting: “The bad old days are back.”

Sterling responds

The Manchester City forward responded to the alleged racial abuse blaming the newspapers of helping “fuel racism” with the way in which they portray young black footballers. He wrote the following message on his Instagram account: 'When you have two young players starting out their careers both play for the same team, both have done the right thing. Which is buy a new house for their mothers who have put in a lot of time and love into helping them get where they are, but look how the newspapers get their message across for the young black player and then for the young white player." His post was connected to a story by the Daily Mail which criticized a young City player who earns £25,000 a month but paid £2.25m for a mansion despite never starting a Premier League match.